An Updated History of Anti-Satellite Weapons

We’ve just released an updated edition of A History of Anti-Satellite Programs. The paper describes the major motivations and milestones in the development of anti-satellite (ASAT) weapons, from the years of the first satellites to the present day.

The act of destroying a satellite can damage the space environment by creating a dangerous amount of space debris. What’s more, the impairment or loss of a satellite, such as one used for reconnaissance, can quickly escalate a conflict or generate other unpredictable and dangerous consequences. And short of an actual attack on a satellite, even the targeting of satellites or the construction of space-based weapons could precipitate an arms race with its own damaging and far-reaching consequences.

To better understand these risks, it’s important to assess the historical developments that have led to the development of and restrictions on ASAT technology.

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